What do invisible gases, vintage hairspray and satellites have in common? They all played a role in one of the greatest environmental comebacks in history. Seen from 225 miles above, the Gulf Coast glows like a constellation—clusters of light scattered across the dark. But what truly makes this view possible can"t be seen: the ozone layer, silently shielding everything below from the sun"s ultraviolet rays. By the 1980s, that shield was thinning fast—damaged by chemicals once used in refrigeration and aerosol products. The solution? A global pact. The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, led to a swift phase-out of ozone-depleting substances. Today, satellites show that the hole over Antarctica is shrinking. Scientists believe it could be fully healed by mid-century.
Nighttime view over the Gulf Coast
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Songkran—Thai New Year
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Im ready for my close-up, Mr. DeSquirrel
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81st anniversary of D-Day
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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, USA
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Silent night, sparkling lights and hearts full of joy
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Kinder Scout, England
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Big rocks, big heads
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International Day of Human Space Flight
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A wave of remembrance
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Hay Festival
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An ocean of stars above the desert
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Black-naped monarch
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This blue succulent has spirit
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Today, a nation was born
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Lighting up the Badlands
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A view that’s out of this world
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Village of Zahara de la Sierra, Cadiz, Spain
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A longstanding ode to love
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Bighorn sheep in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, United States
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The Three Musketeers Falls at Iguazú Falls, Argentina
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International Museum Day
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English National Ballet performing The Nutcracker
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Mothering Sunday
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When art imitates life
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Tide pools in La Jolla, California, United States
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Lei Day
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World Lizard Day
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Jorvik Viking Festival
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International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem
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Isn’t this view mesmerizing?